This year I am going to be delivering most of my workshops in Oban, at 22A Alexandra Place, Corran Esplanade PA34 5PU - so you can enjoy the view as well as the crafting! I'm also going to be teaching six classes in Lerwick during Shetland Wool Week (September) - details of these will be on the Shetland Wool Week site in due course.
Here are the workshops I have planned from February to June 2017:
18th Feb 2 - 5pm FOLDED BOOK ORIGAMI
Learn how to upcycle an unwanted hardback book by folding the pages to create a design or word. Create an unusual decorative piece which makes a great gift. £35, materials included.
E-mail me in advance if you want a special word or name as I may have to design a new pattern for it.
4th March 2 - 5pm FAIR ISLE KNITTING
Learn tips and techniques for better results with this traditional technique while starting a small project. Yarn provided - please bring a set of 4 double-pointed needles or a long (100cm) circular needle, size 3mm. £35
25th march 2 - 5pm FIRST STITCHES - KNITTING FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
Bring along your own project or use the yarn provided for a pair of simple wristwarmers. £30
2nd April 2 - 5pm INTRODUCTION TO MAGIC LOOP KNITTING
If you don't like knitting with double-pointed needles but want to knit in the round, tis is the class for you! knit a phone cover or start a circle while mastering this useful technique, a good one to add to your repertoire for knitting socks, sleeves, hats and circular shawls. Yarn provided, bring a 100cm long circular needle size 3mm.
15 April 2 - 5pm LEARN TO SPIN WITH A DROP-SPINDLE
An ancient, portable and inexpensive tool, a drop-spindle is the ideal way to learn to spin your own unique yarns. With the spindle we can slow the spinning process right down to learn the different steps involved. Once learned, the skills are transferable to the spinning wheel. Materials included. £40
6th May 2 - 5pm FOLDED BOOK ORIGAMI
Learn how to upcycle an unwanted hardback book by folding the pages to create a design or word. Create an unusual decorative piece which makes a great gift. £35, materials included.
E-mail me in advance if you want a special word or name as I may have to design a new pattern for it.
20th May 2 -5pm KNITTING SOCKS TWO AT A TIME and toe up
No more second-sock syndrome! Knit both socks at the same time, on one circular needle. Knit them toe-up to ensure perfect fit and matching. Knit them as long or as short as you like, or as your patience and yarn supply allow. Add colourwork, lace or cables to the basic pattern supplied.
Bring sock yarn and a 100cm long circular needle in the suitable size for the yarn (2.5 - 3mm). £30
If you are not confident with the Magic Loop technique I recommend my Introduction to Magic Loop Knitting workshop on 2nd April as preparation.
3rd June 2 - 5pm BLENDING FIBRES inspired by the colours of Argyll
Delve deep into the world of colour in the Scottish landscape. Inspired by iconic images of Scotland we will deepen our appreciation of colour while blending evocative new shades using only primary-coloured and natural undyed wool fibre. Create subtle new shades or vibrant textured mixes, according to what speaks to you from the image. \your unique blends can later be used for spinning or feltmaking. materials and a selection of images provided - bring your own inspiring image if you have one. £45
17th June STEEKING, CUTTING AND FINISHING HANDKNITS
Cutting in to your knitting sounds scary, but steeking and cutting allows you to knit garments in the round and cut openings later. Traditionally used in fair isle knitting. Learn how to steek so that your knitting won't unravel when you cut it, and how to get a professional finish for all your knits. Materials provided. £40
For further details and to book places, please email Deborah.gray7@btinternet.com
A deposit of 1/3 of the workshop fee is payable on booking to secure your place. The deposit is non-refundable if you change your plans, but would be refunded in full if I had to cancel the workshop for any reason. The balance is payable on the day of the workshop.
